Nestled in the heart of Burgundy, the Hospices de Beaune and Hospices de Nuits are not only historical landmarks but also pivotal players in the global wine community. Every year, wine lovers and collectors from around the world gather for the prestigious wine auctions held by these two institutions. The auctions are a remarkable blend of history, philanthropy, and wine, supporting the upkeep of these ancient hospitals while preserving Burgundy’s wine-making heritage. Let’s dive into the rich history and significance of both the Hospices de Beaune and Hospices de Nuits, two jewels of French viticulture.

Hospices de Beaune: History, Charity, and World-Class Wines

A Legacy of Care and Compassion

Founded in 1443 by Nicolas Rolin, Chancellor to the Duke of Burgundy, and his wife Guigone de Salins, the Hospices de Beaune (Hôtel-Dieu) was originally a charitable hospital designed to care for the poor and sick. Built in a time of great need after the Hundred Years’ War, the hospital's Gothic architecture, especially its iconic polychrome-tiled roof, remains one of France’s most recognizable landmarks. Though the hospital stopped its medical services in the 1970s, its charitable mission lives on through its world-renowned wine auction, with proceeds supporting both modern healthcare initiatives and the preservation of the historical site.

The Hospices de Beaune Wine Auction

Since 1859, the Hospices de Beaune has been holding an annual wine auction, considered the most famous charity wine sale in the world. Held on the third Sunday of November, the auction offers wines produced from the Hospices’ 60 hectares of vineyards, which include some of the most prestigious appellations in Burgundy, such as Pommard, Meursault, and Corton. The wines, cultivated using organic and sustainable practices, are sold "en primeur" (before bottling) to collectors, investors, and connoisseurs, often fetching record-breaking prices.

The auction is not only a high-profile event for wine lovers but also a major fundraising effort, with profits used to support the hospital's charitable activities and maintenance of the historic Hospices building. The sale is managed by the famous auction house Christie’s, adding an extra layer of prestige to the event.

Hospices de Nuits: A Hidden Gem in Burgundy

A Parallel Philanthropic Tradition

Often overshadowed by its more famous counterpart, the Hospices de Nuits-Saint-Georges is located further north in Burgundy’s Côte de Nuits, the cradle of some of the world’s finest Pinot Noir wines. Founded in 1270 by the bourgeoisie of Nuits-Saint-Georges, this hospital also began with the mission of caring for the sick and poor. Its wine auction, though less globally known, plays a significant role in the local community, supporting the upkeep of the hospital and healthcare services.

The Hospices de Nuits Wine Auction

Held every March, the Hospices de Nuits auction mirrors that of Beaune but on a smaller scale, with wines produced from the institution’s 12.4 hectares of prime vineyards in the Côte de Nuits. The offerings focus primarily on Pinot Noir from prestigious appellations like Nuits-Saint-Georges, Chambolle-Musigny, and Gevrey-Chambertin. While the auction may not attract the same level of international attention as Beaune, it has steadily gained a reputation for offering top-tier wines at slightly more accessible prices.

Wine, Charity, and Cultural Heritage

The Hospices de Beaune and Hospices de Nuits auctions are not just about wine—they represent a unique blend of history, philanthropy, and celebration of Burgundy’s culture. For centuries, these institutions have maintained a profound connection to their local communities, using wine as a vehicle for giving back. The annual auctions provide a rare opportunity to acquire exceptional Burgundy wines while contributing to a noble cause.

While Beaune’s auction is the flagship event drawing in wine connoisseurs from around the globe, the Hospices de Nuits offers a more intimate and equally valuable experience. For collectors, both auctions are a chance to secure rare bottles, often from single-vineyard plots, with the added satisfaction of knowing their purchases will help fund healthcare and preserve Burgundy’s rich heritage.

Visiting the Hospices and Tasting Their Wines

Both the Hospices de Beaune and Hospices de Nuits are open to visitors, allowing a glimpse into the past of Burgundy’s winemaking and medical traditions. The Hospices de Beaune, with its striking Gothic architecture, offers a guided tour that covers its history, art collections, and, of course, its vineyards. The Hospices de Nuits, while more understated, provides a similarly enriching experience.

For wine lovers, the chance to taste the wines from these iconic vineyards is a must. Whether through a guided tasting at the auction or a visit to the vineyards themselves, experiencing these wines is a rare privilege. Many of the wines sold at auction are difficult to find elsewhere, making these events a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for collectors.

Conclusion

The Hospices de Beaune and Hospices de Nuits stand as pillars of Burgundy’s winemaking and charitable history. Their annual auctions not only offer some of the region’s finest wines but also continue a centuries-old tradition of giving back to the community. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone who appreciates the finer things in life, these institutions—and their wines—are worth exploring. By participating in their auctions, you contribute to a legacy of generosity and excellence that stretches back over half a millennium.

Burgundy’s rich tapestry of vineyards, culture, and philanthropy is woven into every bottle of wine produced by the Hospices de Beaune and Hospices de Nuits, making each sip a taste of history and heart.

At Gaston, the wine list includes allocations from the prestigious Hospices de Beaune and Hospices de Nuits-Saint-Georges, specifically:

2018 Savigny-les-Beaune 1er Cru "Les Vergelesses" Leroux – Hospices de Beaune

2018 Volnay 1er Cru "Cuvée Général Muteau" Lafarge – Hospices de Beaune

2018 Volnay 1er Cru "Cuvée Général Muteau" Coche Dury – Hospices de Beaune

2020 Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru "St Georges" Henri Gouges – Hospices de Nuits

These selections represent some of Burgundy's finest terroirs, linked to the charitable legacy of the Hospices.